Women in Saudi Arabia now allowed to ride

A legal shift in Saudi Arabia will see the ban lifted on females in the kingdom piloting cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Saudi Arabia is going through some revolutionary cultural changes, thanks to a dedicated activism movement by the kingdom’s young, relatively progressive Crown Prince. In September 2017 a royal decree was issued that would lift the ban blocking women in Saudi Arabia from operating motor vehicles.

The Crown Prince and his father—who signed the decree—seemingly foresaw some of the issues that would arise from the decision, requiring the change to be implemented by no later than June 24, 2018, giving government agencies and lawmakers half-a-year to iron out the kinks. Women gaining the right to drive and ride is a huge victory, and it would appear that the lifting of the ban was at least partially motivated by the pressure put on government by activist groups.

The shifting of social and cultural norms apparently have not moved as quickly as that of the laws in Saudi Arabia. The change brought on by allowing women to drive—and more importantly ride motorcycles—isn’t just about letting ladies get behind the wheel, but it also gives females across the country a huge freedom that allows for exponentially more independence and self-reliance. This opens up employment opportunities for women who can now commute on their own.